Hebrews 4:14 – “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.”
Extended Explanation
This verse is a turning point in the chapter. After talking about God’s Word exposing the heart and the reality that we are all accountable to Him, the writer now points us to our hope-Jesus. We’re reminded that we don’t stand alone. We have a “great high priest,” and that priest is none other than Jesus, the Son of God. He didn’t just live a good life on earth-He ascended into heaven. He is alive, powerful, and actively representing us before God.
Because of who He is and what He has done, we are encouraged to “hold firmly to the faith we profess.” In other words, don’t let go. Don’t turn away. Don’t drift or give up. Jesus is worth clinging to, especially in times of hardship, doubt, or temptation.
Historical Context
In the Old Testament, the high priest had a central role. He was the one who entered the Most Holy Place in the temple once a year to offer a sacrifice for the sins of the people. He stood between God and the people, acting as a mediator. But even the best of those priests were still sinful, limited, and temporary.
Hebrews was written to Jewish believers who understood this background well. Some of them were tempted to go back to the old ways, to depend on human priests and rituals. But the writer of Hebrews is showing that Jesus is the true and better High Priest. He didn’t enter an earthly temple-He entered heaven itself. And unlike human priests, He doesn’t have sin of His own. He’s perfect. And His work is finished.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that Jesus is our perfect representative before God. Because He is the Son of God and our High Priest, we don’t need any other go-between. He’s the one who makes it possible for us to approach God with confidence.
It also teaches perseverance. Our faith isn’t a one-time decision we forget about-it’s something we hold onto. And the reason we can hold on is because Jesus is holding us. He is alive and in heaven, continuing to intercede for us.
This verse ties together two truths: the greatness of Jesus and the call to remain faithful. It shows that what we believe is anchored in who He is.
Literary Analysis
The verse begins with “Therefore,” linking it directly to everything that came before. After emphasizing the seriousness of God’s judgment in verses 12 and 13, the writer now turns our eyes upward to our help-Jesus. This shift brings comfort and confidence.
The title “great high priest” is unique-it adds weight to Jesus’ role. He’s not just another priest; He is the High Priest, greater than any who came before. The phrase “ascended into heaven” points to His authority and victory. And the encouragement to “hold firmly” is strong and personal-it assumes that life will test our faith, but Jesus is worth standing strong for.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 16 – Describes the role of the high priest on the Day of Atonement.
- Hebrews 2:17–18 – Jesus is a merciful and faithful high priest who helps us in our weaknesses.
- Hebrews 7:24–25 – Jesus lives forever and is always able to save completely.
- Romans 8:34 – Jesus is at the right hand of God, interceding for us.
- John 14:6 – Jesus is the way to the Father.
- 1 Timothy 2:5 – There is one mediator between God and people-Jesus Christ.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is deeply encouraging. Life can be hard. Faith can be tested. We all face seasons where we’re tempted to give up or feel like we’re not strong enough. This verse reminds us that we don’t have to stand alone-we have Jesus, our great high priest, standing for us in heaven.
It also reminds us that we must keep going. We need to keep holding on to the truth of the gospel, even when it’s difficult. The good news is that we don’t hold on in our own strength-Jesus, the risen and reigning Lord, is with us and for us.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God didn’t leave us on our own. In love, He sent His Son to be our high priest-the one who bridges the gap between our sin and His holiness. God’s love is not distant or abstract. It’s seen in the fact that Jesus not only died for us, but also rose again, ascended into heaven, and is still working on our behalf.
God loves us enough to give us a Savior who understands our weaknesses, who represents us perfectly, and who encourages us to keep going when we’re tempted to give up.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse is all about Jesus. He is the “great high priest.” He is the “Son of God.” He is the one who “ascended into heaven.” These titles remind us of His full divinity and His completed work. In the Old Testament, the high priest entered the temple once a year. But Jesus entered heaven itself-once for all-after His resurrection.
Because of Him, we have access to God. Because of Him, we have a reason to hold tightly to our faith. Jesus is not a past figure we remember-He’s a living Lord we trust today.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it mean to you that Jesus is your “great high priest”?
- Are there areas in your life where you’re tempted to let go of your faith?
- How does knowing that Jesus has ascended into heaven encourage you in your daily walk?
- Why is it important that Jesus is both the Son of God and our representative before God?
- How can you grow in your ability to “hold firmly” to the faith you profess?